Does the restriction on individualized monitoring prohibit a supervisor or co-worker from accessing an employees computer files for work-related purposes?
To the extent that a computer serves as the functional equivalent of a desk drawer or file cabinet, supervisors and co-workers continue to have the same access to it for normal, work-related business purposes as they always have, e.g., retrieving a file or document needed while the employee who maintains the file or document is away from the office. However, the term monitoring here refers to network and system monitoring by the responsible IT administrator. Such routine monitoring is essential to properly administer and maintain IT systems. It may also be used to investigate actual or suspected misconduct and/or misuse of IT resources. Such action would require advance approval from the personnel office responsible for the employee and/or a legal order, and cannot be initiated solely by a supervisor. However, evidence discovered in the course of routine monitoring and/or normal work-related activity may be used as a basis for seeking such authorization. Such evidence should be reporte
Related Questions
- An employee of a financial institution uses his/her computer access (or that of a co-worker or supervisor) to steal funds from a customers account. Should a SAR be filed in this instance?
- If an employee is Sexually Harassed by a co-worker who is not a supervisor and the employer takes quick action and either transfers or terminates the sexual harasser?
- Does the restriction on individualized monitoring prohibit a supervisor or co-worker from accessing an employee s computer files for work-related purposes?
